Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has identified Ahmad Muhdlor Ali, also known as Gus Muhdlor, as a suspect in a corruption case involving the Regional Tax Service Agency (BPPD) of Sidoarjo Regency.

"We confirm that the individual in question has served as regent in Sidoarjo Regency from 2021 until now," said KPK Spokesperson Ali Fikri on Tuesday.

Ali Fikri revealed that the KPK has analyzed testimonies from witnesses and other suspects in the case, leading to the discovery of the involvement of additional parties in the embezzlement scheme within the BPPD of Sidoarjo Regency Government.

Furthermore, Ali Fikri confirmed that the KPK has conducted a comprehensive examination of the case, identifying additional parties who may face legal consequences. "Following the examination, it was determined that there are individuals who may be held accountable under the law for their alleged involvement in illicit financial activities," Ali Fikri added.

Previously, the KPK had implicated Ari Suryono (AS), the Head of BPPD Sidoarjo, as a suspect in the embezzlement case within the agency. He was identified as the second suspect following Siska Wati (SW), the Head of General and Personnel Affairs Subdivision of BPPD Sidoarjo Regency.

In 2023, the tax revenue of BPPD Sidoarjo Regency amounted to Rp 1.3 trillion ($80.28 million), resulting in civil servants within the agency being entitled to incentive funds. Allegedly, Siska, acting as a BPPD official and treasurer, unilaterally deducted incentives from civil servants.

Siska reportedly communicated the request for incentive deductions verbally to civil servants and prohibited discussions about the deduction of funds through electronic communication. It is alleged that in 2023, Siska collected deductions and incentive funds from civil servants amounting to approximately Rp 2.7 billion. The deductions ranged from 10 percent to 30 percent based on the received incentives.

"Incentive fund deductions and receipts were intended for the Head of BPPD and the Regent of Sidoarjo," said KPK Vice Chairman Nurul Ghufron at the KPK Building in Jakarta on Jan. 29.